Heart disease and diabetes have an enormous impact on peoples' quality of life and cause the premature death of more Australians each year than cancer. This is part of the reason former elite cyclist, sports commentator and journalist, Matthew Keenan lends his support as an ambassador for the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute.

There is also a very personal reason. “My grandfather and two uncles died of heart attacks in their 40s. Seeing my grandmother bury her two sons made me very aware of cardiac disease and heart health from a young age,” he says.

Matthew says his role as an ambassador gives him a chance to support critical work to reduce the number of premature deaths caused by cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
“There is a misconception that heart disease is only caused by lifestyle decisions. In many cases they are contributing factors but it's not that simple. Many fit and active people, who have a healthy diet, can also be affected,” he says.

Matthew also appreciates the deadly link between heart disease and diabetes, with heart disease the most significant complication of type 2 diabetes.

“Being part of the Institute has opened my eyes to the scale of chronic disease and the consequences for the people, including family and friends, affected by it.

He says he hopes researchers at the Baker Institute can develop clot-busting methods to stop heart disease in its tracks; to reduce the impact of a heart attack on the heart muscle; to better understand why some people develop diabetes complications; to regenerate insulin in pancreatic stem cells and replace the need for regular insulin injections; and to better understand why some Australians under 50 die suddenly from cardiac arrest.

“Alongside scientists working to deliver these advances, I also understand the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, being a role model for others in the community including my family and encouraging people to sit less and move more.”